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[As long as he will allow them, Rue is all too happy to cup his cheek while running a paw through his hair, fussing gently as Casey promises that both he and Hunter have been eating well at home.]
Hmm, I am not fully convinced. [But knowing Rue as he does, Casey should be able to tell that the owlbear doesn't say it out of not believing his word. It's more an outlet to fret over their boys while they are worried about something else entirely. They move in to peck a kiss to the very top of Casey's hair before pulling away just enough to catch his eye.]
I have those stringed cheeses in the fridge. May I grab you a few?
Hmm, I am not fully convinced. [But knowing Rue as he does, Casey should be able to tell that the owlbear doesn't say it out of not believing his word. It's more an outlet to fret over their boys while they are worried about something else entirely. They move in to peck a kiss to the very top of Casey's hair before pulling away just enough to catch his eye.]
I have those stringed cheeses in the fridge. May I grab you a few?
Oh... yeah, uh. Please.
[He actually perks up at that. He does love cheese.
Ah, wait, wait! He came here for a reason.]
Um- there's something else, first! [He opens his side pouch and draws out an envelope, the fancy cardstock and paper he's been using for their letter exchanges.] The day we found out this was happening, when I talked to the guard, he wanted to thank you. I told him he could write you a letter.
[He offers it out to Rue.]
I don't know what he wrote. I'm not sure if Hunter knows, either, but he's been putting off giving it to you. I think this is what he's worried about. [A beat, and then,] And whatever he put in the letter, it's before we came up with the plan to help him! So, uh. If he says anything like, "thanks and goodbye forever!" just ignore that part, okay? And if you want to read it in private, I can wait outside. And... well, here.
[He presses it into their paws.]
[He actually perks up at that. He does love cheese.
Ah, wait, wait! He came here for a reason.]
Um- there's something else, first! [He opens his side pouch and draws out an envelope, the fancy cardstock and paper he's been using for their letter exchanges.] The day we found out this was happening, when I talked to the guard, he wanted to thank you. I told him he could write you a letter.
[He offers it out to Rue.]
I don't know what he wrote. I'm not sure if Hunter knows, either, but he's been putting off giving it to you. I think this is what he's worried about. [A beat, and then,] And whatever he put in the letter, it's before we came up with the plan to help him! So, uh. If he says anything like, "thanks and goodbye forever!" just ignore that part, okay? And if you want to read it in private, I can wait outside. And... well, here.
[He presses it into their paws.]
[A letter? For them?
Rue's paw curls so very delicately around the letter, careful to not crease even a corner as they stare down at it resting against their palm. A letter from the son they thought they might never hear from again, given a second chance at life, albeit a very fragmented one. But even if Rue is still struggling with the hurtful sting of not being told and the fear Hunter might not trust them, as long as this ritual works, it could be the true second chance the guard deserves.]
Nonsense, you shall stay right here with me. You can nibble while I read.
[And perhaps, just hold their paw through it, offering a little comfort while Rue faces whatever is inside. If nothing else, there's the warm realization how much they would like Hob to be here at their side now. A month ago, they might not have felt the same way, but after Rue's upset during the trial and the fight that came after with the man, things have been better. Improving slowly every single day.
They should update Casey on that at some point, but this hardly seems the time.
Just let them waddle (glide!!!) over to the fridge, before they return with five string cheese to push into Casey's hand. He's a growing boy. Five is a perfectly healthy snack.]
Rue's paw curls so very delicately around the letter, careful to not crease even a corner as they stare down at it resting against their palm. A letter from the son they thought they might never hear from again, given a second chance at life, albeit a very fragmented one. But even if Rue is still struggling with the hurtful sting of not being told and the fear Hunter might not trust them, as long as this ritual works, it could be the true second chance the guard deserves.]
Nonsense, you shall stay right here with me. You can nibble while I read.
[And perhaps, just hold their paw through it, offering a little comfort while Rue faces whatever is inside. If nothing else, there's the warm realization how much they would like Hob to be here at their side now. A month ago, they might not have felt the same way, but after Rue's upset during the trial and the fight that came after with the man, things have been better. Improving slowly every single day.
They should update Casey on that at some point, but this hardly seems the time.
Just let them waddle (glide!!!) over to the fridge, before they return with five string cheese to push into Casey's hand. He's a growing boy. Five is a perfectly healthy snack.]
[ A sticker has been placed over the envelope flap; it doesn't look to be disturbed, meaning that Hunter has not opened it. It just waits, patiently, the same way it has waited patiently for almost a month.
Whenever Rue opens it, they will see the following text written in neat (if cramped) handwriting both similar to and distinct from Hunter's own: ]
January 26th
ToMx Rue Mom,
I'm sorry. It's weird writing like this, I know, but this is the safest way.
I'm the oldest guard that you adopted in Hunter's mindscape. I don't know what happened, but I woke up in your son's body. He's asleep now, and when he wakes up he's going to be terrified and upset. I'm sorry for that. This letter is a lot to ask from him, so please thank Hunter when he delivers it.
I just wanted to say thank you. For everything. None of us had anyone in our lives who loved us. It's new for Hunter too, but I understand you're fixing that. I'm glad for my baby brother. But I'm selfishly glad you still had room for us too. You seem like the sort of person who has enough love for everyone they come across. Hunter is lucky to have you.
I can't stay without hurting Hunter more than I already have. And I don't want that. Not for him, not for what it makes me into. So I'll get to the point.
[ There are some scribbles here as the guard struggles with phrasing. ]
I love you, Mom. I wish I could say it to you in person, but I don't think there's time for that. It'll be nice to rest, at least, after everything I've been through. Meeting you was the best part of my whole life.
Please take care of Hunter.
Hun Gol G Your son
Whenever Rue opens it, they will see the following text written in neat (if cramped) handwriting both similar to and distinct from Hunter's own: ]
January 26th
To
I'm sorry. It's weird writing like this, I know, but this is the safest way.
I'm the oldest guard that you adopted in Hunter's mindscape. I don't know what happened, but I woke up in your son's body. He's asleep now, and when he wakes up he's going to be terrified and upset. I'm sorry for that. This letter is a lot to ask from him, so please thank Hunter when he delivers it.
I just wanted to say thank you. For everything. None of us had anyone in our lives who loved us. It's new for Hunter too, but I understand you're fixing that. I'm glad for my baby brother. But I'm selfishly glad you still had room for us too. You seem like the sort of person who has enough love for everyone they come across. Hunter is lucky to have you.
I can't stay without hurting Hunter more than I already have. And I don't want that. Not for him, not for what it makes me into. So I'll get to the point.
[ There are some scribbles here as the guard struggles with phrasing. ]
I love you, Mom. I wish I could say it to you in person, but I don't think there's time for that. It'll be nice to rest, at least, after everything I've been through. Meeting you was the best part of my whole life.
Please take care of Hunter.
[Rue waits until they are all settled together on the velvet chaise, Casey tucked into their side, string cheese in hand, before the owlbear sucks in a deep breath before gently slicing through the sticker and opening the letter.
There is just no preparation possible to keep themself from tearing up the moment Rue reads 'to mom'. And that is only the start.
Next to Casey, Rue is quiet as they read through the letter left by the guard, cherishing every word, overwhelmed with the love and fear that swells up within them all at once. Fear for both of their boys, who have always deserved far more than they were ever given, who now must feel at odds with one another. For the poor guard to think he must forfeit his life simply so that Hunter can live - it is devastating to read.
But then he ends the letter by saying meeting Rue was the best part of his whole life and the owlbear knows this ritual must work. They will do anything to save him.
Just give your mother a moment, Casey. They delicately fold up the letter and hold it against their feathery chest, allowing themself a few big tears to roll down their face. It is just so much.]
There is just no preparation possible to keep themself from tearing up the moment Rue reads 'to mom'. And that is only the start.
Next to Casey, Rue is quiet as they read through the letter left by the guard, cherishing every word, overwhelmed with the love and fear that swells up within them all at once. Fear for both of their boys, who have always deserved far more than they were ever given, who now must feel at odds with one another. For the poor guard to think he must forfeit his life simply so that Hunter can live - it is devastating to read.
But then he ends the letter by saying meeting Rue was the best part of his whole life and the owlbear knows this ritual must work. They will do anything to save him.
Just give your mother a moment, Casey. They delicately fold up the letter and hold it against their feathery chest, allowing themself a few big tears to roll down their face. It is just so much.]
[Even without knowing the literal contents of the letter, Casey could make an educated guess. It'd been a grim conversation that led to the letter being written, with a similarly grim conclusion: that this couldn't continue, that one way or another, the guard had to go. Casey hadn't had any clue of what Draxum would come up with, didn't know it was possible, so he'd only envisioned less-than-ideal solutions, focusing on Hunter's autonomy more than anything else. Looking back, while he doesn't regret putting Hunter first, he... probably could have been more gentle about it. He'd just been on the edge of panicking and hindsight makes things more clear than it was at the time.
In other words, though, he figured the letter would be a sad one, so when Rue folds the letter, tears falling, he slides his free hand into theirs, giving it a gentle squeeze. He's still here.]
In other words, though, he figured the letter would be a sad one, so when Rue folds the letter, tears falling, he slides his free hand into theirs, giving it a gentle squeeze. He's still here.]
[Rue only takes a moment to themself, reaching up to brush the tears from their feathers with a sigh, before they slip the letter into their pocket, freeing both paws to engulf Casey's one hand.]
I'm going to walk over to see Hunter.
[Not a question, just exactly what they are going to do. They love that boy too much to let him sit in this any longer without their full support and love at his side.]
I'm going to walk over to see Hunter.
[Not a question, just exactly what they are going to do. They love that boy too much to let him sit in this any longer without their full support and love at his side.]
[The singular part of that sentence makes him pause before he can think to stand and go with.]
...Want to talk to him alone?
[He can delay going home for a while, if they need some time.]
...Want to talk to him alone?
[He can delay going home for a while, if they need some time.]
Perhaps, but I would like for you to walk with me either way.
[A big squeeze around his hand before Rue is pulling away to rise up to their feet, tugging Casey up with them.] If you do not mind giving us a moment or two once we arrive.
I was not joking earlier either. We should stop and get him something sweet to enjoy, a little treat. Just because.
[A big squeeze around his hand before Rue is pulling away to rise up to their feet, tugging Casey up with them.] If you do not mind giving us a moment or two once we arrive.
I was not joking earlier either. We should stop and get him something sweet to enjoy, a little treat. Just because.
[Casey rises of course, remaining close at their side. Of course he'll walk with them.]
Whatever you wanna do. [For both parts.] Maybe, um. I can go pick something up for all of us, while you talk? And you can just let me know when to come home. You can take all the time you both need.
Whatever you wanna do. [For both parts.] Maybe, um. I can go pick something up for all of us, while you talk? And you can just let me know when to come home. You can take all the time you both need.
I think I would prefer you there when I arrive.
[If Hunter had struggled so much to speak to Rue about this before, the very last thing the owlbear wants to do is show up unexpectedly to speak and leave the young man feeling cornered and surprised. That would do nothing to help him feel at ease in their presence again. Better for it to feel more like any normal hang out the three of them would have at their apartment, and once Hunter is comfortable speaking to Rue, then they can ask Casey to just give them a few moments alone, that's all.
Easy. Comfortable. Slow. Rue does not want to stress either of their boys out anymore than they've already been feeling.]
If that is alright with you, of course. I don't want him to feel cornered by my sudden appearance.
[If Hunter had struggled so much to speak to Rue about this before, the very last thing the owlbear wants to do is show up unexpectedly to speak and leave the young man feeling cornered and surprised. That would do nothing to help him feel at ease in their presence again. Better for it to feel more like any normal hang out the three of them would have at their apartment, and once Hunter is comfortable speaking to Rue, then they can ask Casey to just give them a few moments alone, that's all.
Easy. Comfortable. Slow. Rue does not want to stress either of their boys out anymore than they've already been feeling.]
If that is alright with you, of course. I don't want him to feel cornered by my sudden appearance.
Oh. Yeah, that makes sense. I don't mind...
[Hrngh. He really hopes Hunter won't be mad at him. But enough was enough! The poor guard has been waiting all this time, and they really were going to need to involve Rue eventually. The idea of one of their family being cornered by Rue feels like it ought to be laughable, but with how cagey Hunter has been about delivering the letter, he's not sure what to expect from this.
His hand finds their paw again, and he takes a deep breath. Steady, now.]
Let's go, then.
[Hrngh. He really hopes Hunter won't be mad at him. But enough was enough! The poor guard has been waiting all this time, and they really were going to need to involve Rue eventually. The idea of one of their family being cornered by Rue feels like it ought to be laughable, but with how cagey Hunter has been about delivering the letter, he's not sure what to expect from this.
His hand finds their paw again, and he takes a deep breath. Steady, now.]
Let's go, then.
[It does feel laughable, doesn't it? But Rue would have said the same of one of their sons being afraid of them either, so maybe that is on Rue for not having seen it coming. Maybe they could have done a better job at parenting somewhere along the way, made themself easier to open up to, anything to help.
But now is not the time to overanalyze all of that.
They guide Casey out of their shop and down the street to Rue's new favorite bakery to pick up a half dozen chocolate eclairs before heading back towards Satori Hills and up to the apartment. Surprise, Hunter. Mom is here to lure you out with sweet treats.]
But now is not the time to overanalyze all of that.
They guide Casey out of their shop and down the street to Rue's new favorite bakery to pick up a half dozen chocolate eclairs before heading back towards Satori Hills and up to the apartment. Surprise, Hunter. Mom is here to lure you out with sweet treats.]
[Anything that makes Casey this happy is well worth the effort.]
Hold on, little one!
[time to come up with fun chores so it all feels a little less dull!]
Hold on, little one!
[time to come up with fun chores so it all feels a little less dull!]
[ Surprises all around it seems!!
When they get to the apartment, Hunter is frantically turning the place upside-down, as it turns out. There's pillows and notebooks and tools placed every which way, courtesy of Hunter searching (fruitlessly) for something.
When Rue arrives, though, he freezes and stares up at them. (Also Casey, but mostly Rue.) ]
-- Mom? W-what are you doing here?
When they get to the apartment, Hunter is frantically turning the place upside-down, as it turns out. There's pillows and notebooks and tools placed every which way, courtesy of Hunter searching (fruitlessly) for something.
When Rue arrives, though, he freezes and stares up at them. (Also Casey, but mostly Rue.) ]
-- Mom? W-what are you doing here?
[Casey shuffles in next to Rue and- oh. Oh, that sure is a mess he's making looking very obviously for the letter that is... not here. He opens his mouth to greet Hunter and ends up just shutting it again and looking to Rue. They wanted to ease him into it, but... it's so clear what happened here.]
...Hunter...
[He can't even pretend to be casual, he is radiating nerves.]
...Hunter...
[He can't even pretend to be casual, he is radiating nerves.]
[In the end, still nursing a wounded heart or not, Rue can do nothing but melt at the sight of Hunter, especially when he looks so out of sorts.]
My heart - [They open their wings immediately. Let them coddle you, it's fine, it's fine.] Come here, darling.
[Really putting their foot down, you see]
My heart - [They open their wings immediately. Let them coddle you, it's fine, it's fine.] Come here, darling.
[Really putting their foot down, you see]
[ He at least(?) seems wildly guilty about it? That letter has been on his mind all month, and he is well aware he has't taken it yet, and he should have, and he should have told Rue, and now it's so late, and now he's LOST THE LETTER and what is he going to tell the guard now,
He looks between Casey and Rue with wild eyes, seeing the nerves but not picking up on what they're FOR. ]
Wh - what's going on?
[ But he gets to his feet anyway, drifting closer to Rue. ]
He looks between Casey and Rue with wild eyes, seeing the nerves but not picking up on what they're FOR. ]
Wh - what's going on?
[ But he gets to his feet anyway, drifting closer to Rue. ]
[It's the look in his eyes that makes Casey cave, ultimately. The panic of too late is uncomfortably familiar. He needs to know where the letter is.]
You didn't lose it, [he says quietly, trying to look resolute before the guilt drags his gaze right to his toes. He'd do it again if he had to, but he still feels badly for it.] I gave it to them.
You didn't lose it, [he says quietly, trying to look resolute before the guilt drags his gaze right to his toes. He'd do it again if he had to, but he still feels badly for it.] I gave it to them.
[Hunter drifts a little closer and Rue just continues to hold their wings open, patient in their offer. Now that it's all out in the open between them, they do not know if their boy will dive into their arms or backpedal away from the pair of them. It could go either way.]
Casey told me everything, dear. All that you've been going through and the plan that is in motion.
Casey told me everything, dear. All that you've been going through and the plan that is in motion.
[ For a moment Hunter wavers in the middle of that decision, his face going on a whole journey as Casey mentions the letter. Relief at first - letter is safe, that’s most important - followed by guilt and panic. He’s really done it this time, hasn’t he? February is NOT his month. ]
I - I’m sorry, I know I should have brought it right away - but I was afraid, and then it was late, and then it was later, and -
[ His ears droop as his shoulders shake. ]
I thought maybe you might like him better than me.
[ But Rue has their arms out and Hunter cannot resist. Whether he’s the inferior guard or not, he hesitantly steps forward to bury himself in Rue’s wings. ]
I’ve really messed up this month.
I - I’m sorry, I know I should have brought it right away - but I was afraid, and then it was late, and then it was later, and -
[ His ears droop as his shoulders shake. ]
I thought maybe you might like him better than me.
[ But Rue has their arms out and Hunter cannot resist. Whether he’s the inferior guard or not, he hesitantly steps forward to bury himself in Rue’s wings. ]
I’ve really messed up this month.
[Oh... oh, Hunter. That's the reason? He looks briefly at Rue, knowing that will most likely be hurtful to them, but it's better to be out in the open. They can't reassure and correct him if they don't know. They can get past this... they just need to work through it.
He thought it might be better to stay out and let Rue handle it, in case Hunter was angry, but when he just looks distressed and shaken Casey can't help shifting to his other side and winding his arms around Hunter as well.]
Dummy, [he whispers, without actually sounding critical, only sad. It isn't a competition. How could they ever?]
He thought it might be better to stay out and let Rue handle it, in case Hunter was angry, but when he just looks distressed and shaken Casey can't help shifting to his other side and winding his arms around Hunter as well.]
Dummy, [he whispers, without actually sounding critical, only sad. It isn't a competition. How could they ever?]
[The moment Hunter presses into their arms, Rue fully engulfs both him and Casey into their wings, all soft feathers and floral fragrance.
And it's true that their son thinking such a thing breaks their heart, that he should ever think Rue's love was ever conditional in any way, but there is no denying the relief that floods through them that Hunter doesn't trust in them or has changed his mind in regards to the adoption. He's just scared and uncertain, letting those quiet hurtful thoughts convince him of what isn't true.
That is fixable. Nothing is broken.]
Hunter, please do not ever think such a thing again. I love you. You! I promised you my heart for the whole of my life and I do not say such things lightly. You and Casey and the others are my greatest happiness. I love him, yes, but in the same exact way I love you and Casey. You are all my children.
[Stretching out their neck, Rue affectionately bumps their head against Hunter's, nuzzling his cheek.]
Besides, no one can replace you in my eyes. You are mine, my perfectly curious boy with the soft heart, who loves so deeply, who is going to grow up to be so gentle and kind and loving to a world that has not always treated him back as kindly. Please, my love, hear me when I say you could never be replaced.
And it's true that their son thinking such a thing breaks their heart, that he should ever think Rue's love was ever conditional in any way, but there is no denying the relief that floods through them that Hunter doesn't trust in them or has changed his mind in regards to the adoption. He's just scared and uncertain, letting those quiet hurtful thoughts convince him of what isn't true.
That is fixable. Nothing is broken.]
Hunter, please do not ever think such a thing again. I love you. You! I promised you my heart for the whole of my life and I do not say such things lightly. You and Casey and the others are my greatest happiness. I love him, yes, but in the same exact way I love you and Casey. You are all my children.
[Stretching out their neck, Rue affectionately bumps their head against Hunter's, nuzzling his cheek.]
Besides, no one can replace you in my eyes. You are mine, my perfectly curious boy with the soft heart, who loves so deeply, who is going to grow up to be so gentle and kind and loving to a world that has not always treated him back as kindly. Please, my love, hear me when I say you could never be replaced.
[The difference between Hob and all the other fae who have tried and failed to woo the Mistrex of the Bloom, is that he neither expects nor demands anything from them. His affections are always genuine, entirely umprompted expressions of his feelings with no strings nor price attached. All he can do is speak his emotions as true as he can, and hope that they're accepted as they are. Frankly, he knows no other way.
He never pursued Rue for status, nor power, nor gain. He never wanted them for anything other than themself. The same holds true now, all this time later.]
Should your mind happen to concoct an evening to rival the one I have devised for you, then I shall not rest until I have given you the very night of your dreams—one to rival even your most decadent, indulgent desires. [Dare him! He means it!! His love language is acts of service!!!]
But yes, we are indeed heading into the woods. Not far, naturally. I would loathe to exhaust you after such a long day of work. [As the canopy above shades them from the setting sun, casting flecks of light and shadow over the promenading pair, Hob glances up at them. The bugbear looks utterly smitten.]
I am certain you can fathom it, beloved. My mind is hopefully not so mysterious as to be indecipherable. By that, what I mean to say is: Guess.
He never pursued Rue for status, nor power, nor gain. He never wanted them for anything other than themself. The same holds true now, all this time later.]
Should your mind happen to concoct an evening to rival the one I have devised for you, then I shall not rest until I have given you the very night of your dreams—one to rival even your most decadent, indulgent desires. [Dare him! He means it!! His love language is acts of service!!!]
But yes, we are indeed heading into the woods. Not far, naturally. I would loathe to exhaust you after such a long day of work. [As the canopy above shades them from the setting sun, casting flecks of light and shadow over the promenading pair, Hob glances up at them. The bugbear looks utterly smitten.]
I am certain you can fathom it, beloved. My mind is hopefully not so mysterious as to be indecipherable. By that, what I mean to say is: Guess.
It was great. Ended with french fries, couldn't have asked for more.
I'll bring a bottle of wine, stop by the shop?
I'll bring a bottle of wine, stop by the shop?
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